Man bonded after admitting to insulting police officer

Andre Omar Thompson, of Exchange, St George, told the court he did not realise the individual was a police officer when he was instructed to move out of the road. 

He appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to using the insulting words “You is a ** **” towards Police Constable Jadyn Neil, while he was executing his duties as a member of the Barbados Police Service on June 28. He denied assaulting and resisting the officer on the same date.

Prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Leacock said the complainant and another officer were on mobile patrol in plain clothes when they encountered Thompson walking in the middle of the road along James Street. The officer sounded the horn and instructed him to use the pavement, but Thompson became agitated and began using offensive language.

The officers exited the vehicle and identified themselves, but Thompson continued behaving aggressively and was again warned. It was then that he directed the insulting language at the officer. After being taken to the police station, he apologised, saying his behaviour was due to personal problems.

Thompson admitted he had been walking in the road but said the vehicle had darkly tinted windows and he did not realise it was the police until the officers exited and identified themselves.

“When he told me he was an officer, I calmed down because I was a little agitated at the time. I did not continue cursing. I did now come off the sidewalk to cross the road,” he said.

Placing him on the bond, Chief Magistrate Frederick warned that if it is breached, Thompson would have to pay $750 immediately or be imprisoned for three weeks.

The other cases were adjourned until October 16, and he was granted bail of $1 500.

(JB)